Signal device



Nov. 9, 1937.

W. R. CURTISS SIGNAL DEVICE Filed May 12, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

Nov. 9, 1937. w R -r 2,098,742

' SIGNAL DEVICE Filed May 12, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 a Fr 3 i I! INVENTOR.

W/Y/Mm 1 E 621/1735.

ATTORNEY.

Patented Nov. 9, 1937 SIGNAL DEVICE William R. Curtiss, Meriden, Conn.. asslgnor to Connecticut Telephone and Electric Corporation, Meriden, Conn., a corporation Delaware Application May 12,

3 Claims.

This invention relates to electrical apparatus and, more particularly, to novel means for controlling the flow of current to signalling devices and the like.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a novel signalling system of the electrically operated type.

Another object of the invention is to provide novel means for producing current fluctuations in an electrical circuit in combination with novel means for interrupting the flow of current after a predetermined number of current fluctuations.

Another object is to provide novel means in a signalling system for producing intermittent signals during a predetermined time interval without the supervision of an operative.

Still another object is to provide novel switch meansin an electrical signalling system.

A further object is to provide novel signalling apparatus which is so controlled that either a steady or an intermittent signal maybe given.

Another object is to provide novel means in electrical signalling apparatus for interrupting the flow of current therein after a predetermined number of signals has been given.

The above and further objects and novel features of this invention will more fully appear from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not designed as a definition of the limits of the invention, reference being had primarily for this purpose to the appended claims.

In the drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of one form of the novel signalling device comprehended by the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of a novel switch employed in carrying out the present invention with a cover plate removed;

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 33 of ,Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional viewtaken on line 4-4 of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of the invention employing luminescent gas signalling means.

One embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated, in Fig. 1, by way of example, in the form of a directional signalling device 1 adapted for use on motor vehicles to indicate a predetermined direction of movement. The ap- 1933, Serial No. 670.896

paratus, as shown, comprises a novel manually operable switch .A" by means of which a circuit may be closed through electrical signalling means (four lamps, in the form shown) and through a flashing and timing device constituting a control unit B which is adapted after the operator releases switch A to produce fluctuations of the current flowing to said signalling means for a predetermined interval, whereby a flashing directional signal is given. The control unit is so constructed that a predetermined number of flashes will result-from each actuation of switch A".

As shown, the signalling means comprises two pairs of lamps l0 and II for indicating right and left hand turns respectively, both to the front and to the rear. Any suitable source of electrical energy such as a'battery l2 may be employed for energizing the signals.

Novel switch means are provided for closing a circuit to signals III or II and to the control unit at the will of an operative, and for maintaining a'connection between said signals and control unit after release of the switch means by the operative. stituted by a manually operable switch (Figs. 2-4 inclusive) comprising a casing having a body portion or support IS, a front cover It, and a rear cover l5, each of said parts being molded of bakelite or other suitable insulating material. -Mo1ded into the support l3 and extending from one face to the other thereof are a plurality of contact members or studs l6, l1, l8, I9, and 20, each stud having a threaded recess in the base thereof to receive contact screws for securing electrical leads thereto.

The upper faces of studs I6 and H are substantially flush with the lower wall of a fanshaped recess 2| formed in the upper side of support l3, whereas studs 18 and I9 extend through the latter at points adjacent the opposite edges of said recess. L-shaped contact members 22 and 23 are fixed to the upper ends of said last-named studs in a' manner such that one leg of each of said members depends into said recess. Preferably contacts 22 and 23 are resilient.

Center stud projects upwardly into recess 2| and is provided with a reduced portion on which 'a contact lever 24 and a resilient contact arm 25 are pivotally mounted, said leverbeing adapted to engage contact 22 or 23, and arm 25 being adapted to engage stud IE or IT. Lever 24 extends outwardly beyond the open end of recess 2|, and is provided at its outer end with a suit- Such means as shown are con- 2 Ail able operating handle 2%.

mounted below, and in electrical engagement with, lever 23 and is constrained to move with said lever by means of an up-tumed tongue on .the free end of the arm which projects into an opening in said lever.

Contact lever 2 is adapted to be manually moved into engagement with contact 22 or and with it spring arm 25 is moved into engagement with stud it or ill respectively. Upon re lease by the operative, lever-2d is moved out of engagement with contact 22 or 23 as the case may be, by suitable means such .as a spring 2?]. Preferably the latter is substantially iU-shaped, with the central portion thereof flattened, and is mounted on member l3 and heldin place thereon by cover it and by a U-shaped projection it which partially surrounds'stud it within recess 2!, said projection being molded integrally with member 83. The free ends of spring ill extend circumferentially beyond said projection and are adapted to engage the sides of leverfi l immediately prior to the engagement of said lever with contact 22 or 23 and to returnthe lever to a position corresponding to that shown in Fig. 2 where said lever is adapted to be frictionally held by virtue of the pressure of a spring washer it. The latter is mounted on the upper end of stud iii so as to yieldingly hold lever i i and spring arm 25 against a shoulder on said stud. With lever 2 1 in the position shown in the drawings, spring arm 25 forms an electrical connection between studs iii and 20.

Usually, intermittent or flashing signals are more eliective than a steady signal. The novel control unit of the invention is accordingly provided with novel means for controlling the how of current to lampsill or ii in such a manner that a flashing signal will be given. Preferably, such means are constituted by a thermostatic switch comprising a bimetallic arm til secured at its lower end to an insulating plate iii and carrying a contact 32 at its free end, which latter is adapted when arm 30 is heated, to a predetermined degree, to engage a contact 33 on a conducting strap attached to a terminal post id. Contacts 32, 33 constitute switch means in a circuit which includes the signalling means, and have connected in shunt therewith a resistance coil 35 which is wound about arm til. I

Normally arm 30 assumes a position whereby contacts 32, 33 are held out of engagement so that when the above described manual control switch is closed, current from battery it is shunted through coil 35 thereby heating the latter. Heat radiated and conducted from coil tiii to ar m lifl is effective to cause the upper end of the latter to bend inwardly toward plate 3i, thus bringing contacts 32 and lid into engagement. Since the resistance to current flow through arm 30 and contacts 32, 33 is much less than through resistance coil 35, the flow of current through the latter is then decreased to such an extent that both the coil 35 and arm it are permitted to cool. Arm 30 now returns to normal position whereupon coil 35 and said arm are again efiective to close contacts 32, 33,. thereby fluctuating the current in the circuitof which these elements form a part.

When contacts 32, 33 are open, the current in the circuit is so reduced by resistance 35 that the voltage drop across the signal lamps then in the circuit is insufficient to illuminate the same. A signal is given, therefore, only in the interval during which contacts 32, 33 are in engagement.

aoeavca Contact arm 2% is The flashing interval may be regulated by the thermal characteristic of the metals used in the construction of arm 31!), and by the value of the resistance in coil 35.

In certain instances, such as in the illustrated directional signalling apparatus, it is highly desirable that the-driver of the vehicle be relieved of supervision, in so far as is possible, over the signalling device. Especially is this true when he is about to execute a turn. It is also desirable that the signals be automatically terminated in order to guard against carelessness or forgetful ness on the part of the operator.

Novel means are therefore provided for maintaining the signalling means in operation for a predetermined interval after each initiation, during which interval a predetermined number of flashes are given. In the form shown such means are constituted by an electro-magnet in the operation of which advantage is taken of the current fluctuations produced in the manner above described. The timing unit preferably comprises an electro-magnet consisting of a coil 3% wound about a core 3'17 of magnetic material.

Adjacent the lower end of coil 3? and pivotally' mounted on a depending portion of plate ii is an armature 38 adapted to be attracted by said core when the same is sufiiciently energized by coil it. A suitable stop 39 is provided to limit the downward movement of the armature.

To the outer or free end of armature 38 is pivotally secured a pawl it, the upper end of which is held by a suitable spring ti in operative engagement with a ratchet wheel 32., The latter is rotatably mounted between a pair of brackets .42 projecting upwardly from coil 36. Said coil is electrically connected in circuit with thermostatic switch 32, 33 and the current fluctuations produced by said switch are such that the electro-magnet 3t, 37 will be energized and deepergized in accordance therewith. Armature 38 will, therefore, be attracted and released in accordance with 'the current fluctuations thus reciprocating pawl it and thereby impart intermittent rotary motion to ratchet M in a clockwise direction as seen on Fig. 1. Any suitable means (not shown) may be employed, if desired, for preventing reverse rotation of ratchet 42.

An annular coaxial shoulder or drum 43 is provided on one side of ratchet 42 and is adapted to rotate therewith. One or more notches or peripheral recesses M are provided on drum 43, into which the hooked end portion of a spring contact arm i5 is adapted to fit. When ratchet 42 is rotated in the manner pointed out above, arm 55 is moved out of recess 44 and rests upon the periphery of drum 53. The contact carried by arm i5 is thereby held in engagement with a contact carried by an arm 46 mounted adjacent arm it, thus completinga circuit including the signalling means, the current fluctuating means, and the electro-magnetic control means. The circuit is thus maintained closed until ratchet 42 has been rotated to such a position that the arm 65 again moves into recess 44, whereupon the circuit is broken at the contacts carried by said arms. Contact arms 45 and 46 may be conveniently mounted on a block 3| secured to the upper end of plate 3|.

Ifdesired, a suitable pilot light may be provided to give an indication to the operator when the signal lamps ill or H are illuminated. In the embodiment shown such a light is mounted on switch A and is constituted by a bulb 55 (Figs. 3 and 4) which is threadedly received in a socket 51 in member I 3. One terminal of said bulb is connected through said socket and a wire 58 (Fig. 1) to stud 20, while the other may be grounded through a bolt 53 anda strap 60 by means of which the switch is secured to the steering column 6i or other suitable metal member. Pilot bulb 56 is thus connected in circuit with both sets of lamps and will operate in conjunction with them.

The operation of the device is as follows: If it is desired to make a left turn, for example; the operator moves handle 26 to the left against the pressure of spring 21 until lever 24 and spring 25 engage-contact 22 and stud I6 respectively. A circuit is thus established from battery i2 through lead 41, stud I8, contact 22, lever 24, arm 25, stud I6, and lead 43 to signalling lamps l0 and ground. As long as handle 26 is so held by the operator a steady signal will be given. Simultaneously with the flow of current to the lamps, current flows through lever 24, stud 20, leads 49 and 50, coil 36 and lead 5| to ground. Electromagnet 36, 31 is thus energized and attracts armature 38. In so doing pawl 40 is rendered effective to rotate ratchet 42, one notch thus causing contact arm 45 to ride out of recess 44 and move into engagement with contact arm 46. Since this action is practically instantaneous, after the engagement of lever 24 with contact 22, handle 26 may if desired be immediately released and the operator thereby relieved of any further supervision over the device. Upon release of lever 24, it is returned by spring 21 to the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 where it will be frictionally held by virtue of spring washer 29.

With lever 24 in this position and contacts 45, 46 closed, current flows from battery [2 through lead 52, contact arms 45, 46, lead 53, resistance 35, to terminal 54. Thence the current divides, a part going through coil 36 to ground by way of lead 50, and a part to signals III by way of lead 49, stud 26, spring arm 25, stud l6, and lead 43. Resistance 35 so reduces the current that lamps ill will not be illuminated and electromagnet 36, 31 will be deenergized to such an extent that armature 33 will be released and permitted to drop against the stop 33, thus permitting pawl 43 to engage the next notch in ratchet 42.

The current flowing through resistance 35 now generates suflicient heat to cause the contact on the free end of bimetallic member 30 to move into engagement with contact 33. Resistance 35 being thus shunted out, the current value in the circuit increases sufllciently to light lamps l0 and to suiiiciently energize electro-magnet 36, 31 to again attract armature 33 and to thus again move ratchet 42. With the circuit in this condition, resistance 35 and arm 30 are permitted to cool whereupon the circuit is again broken at contacts 32, 33 by movement of said am. This cycle of operation continues until ratchet 42 has been moved to such a position that contact arm 45 again engages recess 44 thereby breaking the circuit between the spring'contact arms 45, 46.

It will be seen that the number of current fluctuations or signal flashes occasioned by one operation of switch A will be equal to the number of teeth on ratchet 42. This number may be decreased by supplying more than one recess 44 in the periphery of drum 43 or increased by increasing the number of teeth on the ratchet. It will also be noted that if it is desired to render the signals inefiective after the control unit has once been set in motion, the operative need only to move lever 24 to a central position in recess 2!.

In the latter event the control unit will continue to operate in the manner described above until the circuit is broken at contact arms 45, 46.

The same cycle of operations would occur if lever 24 were moved to the right thus connecting lamps ii in the circuit to indicate a right turn. It is also pointed out that the signal may be changed from left to right or vice versa even after the control unit has been set in operation by merely shifting the position of handle 26.

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 5 wherein novel directional signalling means are employed, said means as shown comprising luminescent gas tubes I3 ii, such as neon tubes, which may be formed into any desirable shape, preferably arrows. H, are connected to studs i6 and I! respectively of switch A in the same manner as are lights I0 and H of Fig. 1. Due, however, to the increased voltage required to illuminate neon lamps, step-up transformers are provided between switch A and the lamps. As shown each transformer comprises a core 62, a primary coil 63 a secondary coil 64, and make and break contacts 65.

There is thus provided novel signalling apparatus wherein novel means are provided for producing an intermittent signal, without the supervision of an operator, for a predetermined time interval. Novel switch and signalling means are also provided together with means for determining the number of signals given for each operation of said novel switch means. The entire unit is capable of being so constructed as to occupy a very small space and is at the same time reliable and durable.

While only two embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be expressly understood that various changes may be made therein. For example, audible signals, such as bells, buzzers, etc., may be employed in lieu of visible signals, and the various novel features illustrated may be employed in other capacities than with directional signalling means, such as for hospital signals, flashing signs, etc. Other changes may also be made in the design and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit of the invention. Reference will be had primarily to the appended claims for a definition of the limits of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In a directional signalling apparatus for automotive vehicles, a left-turn signal, a rightturn signal, a source of electric energy, a separate circuit for electrically connecting each of said signals and said source, switch means having a common movable element for temporarily closing the circuit to either of said signals to selectively energize the latter, other circuits including said element for selectively connecting said source and said signals, common means in said other circuits for fluctuating the current flow therein to cause said signals to flash intermittently, common switch means in said other cir-' cuits, means for closing and maintaining said last-named switch means closed during a predetermined number of flashes of said signal comprising an electro-magnet and a ratchet mechanism operable by said electro-magnet, means controlled by said ratchet mechanism on its initial movement for closing said last named switch means and maintaining said last named switch means closed during a cycle of operation of said ratchet mechanism, a circuit including said source and said electro-magnet and temporarily Signals I ll,

' oi said first-named circuits to said signals are temporarily closed, and a circuit connecting said electro-magnet and said source including said current fluctuating means whereby said electromagnet is. rendered effective to intermittently actuate said ratchet mechanism.

2. In a directional signalling system for automotive vehicles, a plurality of signal lamps, a source of electric energy, circuits for connecting said signals to said source, manually operable swim-h means for selectively and temporarily completing said circuits to selectivelyenergize said lamps, other circuits connecting said source and said signals; common means in said other circuits for'fiuctuating the current flow therein to cause said signals to dash, said current fluctuating means including a thermostatic switch and a resistance in parallel therewith, common switch means in saidother circuits in series with said thermostatic switch and said lamps, means for closing -said common switch means and maintaining the same-in closed position during a predetermined number of current fluctuations comprising electro-magnetic means, a ratchet mechanism operable thereby and means controlled by said ratchet mechanism on its initial movement for closing said common switch means, a circuit including said source, said electro-magnetic aoaaraa means and said manually operable switch means, whereby said electro-magnetic means is temporar'ily energized for actuating said ratchet mechanism to close said common switch means when said manually operable switch means are actuated, and a circuit connecting said electro-magnetlc means and said source, said last-named circuit including said current fluctuating means whereby said electro-magnetic means is rendered efiective to intermittently actuate said ratchet mechanism.

3. A signalling system comprising an electric signal lamp, a source of electrical energy, an intermittent current fluctuating device, a pair of electrical switch contacts, in series with said device; an electro-magnetic ratchet device having its coil in a series circuit with said fluctuating device, contacts, and said energy source; means associated with said ratchet device and adapted upon initial actuation of the ratchet de- H vice to close said contacts and maintain them closed for a predetermined number of current fluctuations forming a signal cycle, switch means connectedin series with said signal lamp, current source, contacts, and current fluctuating means, and means for, at will, shortcircuiting said contacts and fluctuating device to initiate a signalling cycle.

WHLIAM R. CURTISS. 

